Stranger Things director and executive producer Shawn Levy reacts to the show ending with Season 5. Netflix's Stranger Things kicked off its inaugural season in July 2016 and audiences almost instantly took to the throwback of 1980s nostalgia coupled with the ominous undertones that befell the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The series stars renowned actress Winona Ryder and gave rise to stardom for Millie Bobby Brown, who portrays the mysterious Eleven, Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), and Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson). The series also bolstered actor David Harbour, who earned himself a Critics Choice Television Award in 2018 for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series based on his portrayal of Police Chief Jim Hopper.
It is no secret that the creative minds behind Stranger Things have always envisioned the show lasting four or five seasons. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly early in the show's run, creators Ross and Matt Duffer clearly address their initial thoughts for the potential longevity of the series. In February 2022, Netflix officially announced the show's fifth season would be its last.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Stranger Things executive producer Shawn Levy reacts to the show ending with season 5. In his statement, Levy emphasizes that the team surrounding the hit series never intended to reach a point where it burns out or loses focus on its overall lucidness. The prominent director also noted that the arc of the series has been relatively clear for some time now, so deviating away or forcing storylines that are not necessary would ultimately do the show a disservice. See Levy's exact remarks on the topic below:
"Well, we never wanted to run on fumes and we wanted to only tell as much story as the brothers saw and feel with clarity. So it's been clear for a while that they know exactly where we're headed and this is the arc. We wouldn't want to stick around for one moment beyond that vision and the clarity of that voice. So rather than focusing on that sad day that happens who knows when, the end of season five, I'll just once again reaffirm what I've told everyone, which is it has been a long-ass wait for season four. But I swear to God, the world will realize it's worth it."
It is no doubt that Stranger Things has been an immensely captivating tale combining science-fiction, drama, and horror elements. Bringing back the 1980s and mixing mystery with horror and extraterrestrial elements is almost always a winning formula. But with the end in sight for Stranger Things, Levy's attention is shifting to his directing work on Netflix's new film, The Adam Project, which will begin streaming on the platform on March 11, 2022.
The authenticity and uniqueness of Stranger Things will have fans and audiences rewatching the series for years to come. Knowing that the end is on the horizon may be sad for some diehard fans; however, it is ultimately the best option for the show's integrity in the long term. Too many shows take their scripts and storylines well beyond what would otherwise cast them directly into legend status. So, with the storyline and arc already determined, it's probably best to say goodbye to Stranger Things on the highest note possible, rather than sinking the ship entirely. In the meantime, audiences can check out Levy's new Netflix film, The Adam Project, on March 11.
